Let them help!

Comments

7 Responses

Well said Gina. We had friends that would not take “No, we’re okay.” for an answer and they opened my eyes. I will never forget what a student in the Sunday School class I was teaching said to me in the middle of a lesson about service. He looked up from the project the Jr Students were working on and said, “You know Mr Stowell being served is really a service because you are allowing others to serve.” I almost fell over. On that day, at that moment, he didn’t know it, but, those were the words I needed to hear.

I’m sorry for the family and the little boy. Letting others know what you need and letting them help does wonders for both the giver and the recipient. But sometimes the family is so overwhelmed by the devastating news and trying to keep up with the overflow of information, they don’t know what they need.

So giving ideas of what people can do for those in this situation is wonderful. I like funny cards too and silly present like noise putty, crazy straw eye glasses, and silly books.

Every thought, card, hug, or prayer does wonders for everyone. It only takes a moment. Keep us in mind if they need support, Gina.

I know when we were in medical crisis with my son I felt vulnerable or weak at first when people were offering/giving help. How silly is that! I soon realized it was such a source of comfort and strength knowing we were not alone. It also reinforced the fact that we need to open our eyes to those around us more, that we are all connected and we need to care for one another. It’s a beautiful thing that usually gets paid forward!!

I don’t know you personally Gina, but after reading your blog for quite some time, I think it would be great if you wrote a book. A book about letting go, grieving, how other people can help. A book about your experiences. I think you are a very good writer and after losing a son of my own, I know how difficult this whole experience is. I too have some helpful hints, but I think you are an excellent source of knowledge as well as a good writer. That is just my opinion and suggestion.

Hi Gina, almost 9 years ago my husband was diagnosed with a genetic deficiency during my second pregnancy and when I googled it I read it was listed as fatal. After he had some testing we were assured it should not progress to anything beyond asthma. They recommended both children be tested. We had to wait until the baby was 6 months. Both boys tested and both have normal levels, do not have the deficiency or are carriers of the trait. It was a relief but made me sad to think of parents and children who don’t get that good news. My husbands niece was born with the deficiency and is on a liver transplant waiting list. I want my children to learn ways to help others. I was thinking, if they purchased small gift cards with their allowence periodically for Paneras or Brugglers and sent them to the Ronald McDonald house they could give to a family in need. I looked at the website for RM House and saw they make gift bags and Do other things for children and families. I know there is a Paneras or Brugglers by Albany Med. do you know what is near Ronald McDonald house? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks and God Bless you for being an angel on earth for all of us.

When Nick was diagnosed, the Cammarata’s friends and family all wanted to help. I reached out to the Romano’s and asked what we could do. What weren’t we thinking of? What else was there? We were cooking food, cleaning the house, etc., but what did THEY need that we just didn’t know about. The Romanos were awesome and, even though they were dealing with Luke’s cancer, they answered right away. How important it is to remember the other children. How to take care of them. How to appoint one person as “point” so they wouldn’t be inundated with calls every day, exhausted at repeating news over and over. Friends and family desperately want to help, it is part of how they deal with the diagnosis. Your advice is perfect – let them!

PS – Saw 4 ladybugs on my screen yesterday. Couldn’t get a good shot but it sure was nice to see all of them together!

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